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Counseling & TherapyEvidence-Based Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Discover a curated collection of free Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) resources tailored for educators, students, and parents. Gain practical skills in recognizing and managing thought patterns through interactive activities, insightful lessons, and real-world scenarios. Empower yourself with evidence-based tools to boost emotional resilience and problem-solving, making mental well-being accessible to all.

Suggested Resources

Community Resources

Community Resources

CBT for Kids: Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors

This lesson is designed for 1st to 3rd grade students with special needs and behavior challenges. The objective is to engage students in a fun, collaborative, and hands-on activity that helps them understand the connection between helpful and unhelpful thoughts and their feelings and behaviors using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. The lesson is designed to be completed in 15 minutes.

Tier 2
2/25
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Kristen LaRosa

D

AZ Counselor

Understanding CBT: Thoughts, Feelings, Actions

This lesson introduces students to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focusing on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Students will explore how these elements influence each other and learn practical strategies to manage stress and anxiety. This lesson is crucial for developing self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, which are essential for mental well-being and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25

Deb Schmill

h

NY Instructor

CBT Triangle and Brain Connection

This lesson introduces 4th-grade students to the CBT triangle, which connects thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and its relationship with brain function. Through engaging activities, students will learn how their thoughts can influence their emotions and actions. This lesson is important as it empowers students with self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, fostering resilience and mental well-being.

Tier 1
2/25
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James Kelliher

t

VT Counselor

Introduction to CBT: Understanding Thoughts and Feelings

This lesson serves as an introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for middle school students. It aims to help students understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through discussion, group activities, and a CBT exercise, students will learn how to identify and challenge negative thoughts. This foundational lesson is important as it equips students with basic CBT skills that can be built upon in future sessions.

Tier 1
2/25
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Jessica Handley

p

TN Instructor

How Does Your Mind Talk?

Introduce students to CBT by exploring how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors; empowers them to recognize and reshape unhelpful thinking patterns. This lesson is designed for a 6th grade classroom, delivered in a single 45-minute session, equipping students with practical tools to improve their emotional well-being.

Tier 1
Monday
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Andrew Argueta

E

CA Counselor

Mind Over Mood

This lesson introduces 6th graders to the basics of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework, focusing on understanding thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This foundational knowledge is crucial for developing emotional intelligence and resilience, helping students manage their emotions and reactions in everyday situations. The lesson is designed for a single 15-minute session and includes engaging activities and a game to reinforce learning.

Tier 1
5/7
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Thomas Nikiper

S

MA Counselor

Calm and Confident

This lesson aims to introduce second graders to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help them manage anxiety. Through a combination of game-based learning, experiential activities, and discussion, students will learn to identify anxious thoughts and practice calming strategies. This lesson is important as it equips young students with tools to manage their emotions, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25

Stacie Browne-Gallagher

h

NY Counselor, Psychologist, General Education Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Social Worker, Behavior Interventionist, School Administrator

Hidden Assumptions

An individualized CBT session guiding an 11th grade student through identifying and disputing core beliefs using targeted reading, worksheets, and reflection. This Tier 3 lesson deepens self-awareness and equips the student with practical CBT strategies in a single 55-minute session.

Tier 3
5/8
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Joanna Torres

E

CA Social Worker

Mind Matters Toolkit

A one-session, 30-minute individual counseling lesson for 6th graders focused on mental health counseling and building personal coping strategies. This Tier 3 lesson helps students identify emotions, learn coping tools, and practice self-talk to manage stress and anxiety.

Tier 3
5/16
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Jacqueline Russell

I

FL Counselor

Counselor's Toolbox

In this lesson, students will learn about the various tools and resources that a school counselor uses to help with problems and emotions. The students will then create their own 'toolbox' of coping skills and resources that they can take home. This lesson is essential as it helps young students understand the support available to them and equips them with basic emotional tools for resilience.

Tier 1
2/25
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Erika Morris

q

TX Counselor

Transforming Thoughts: Positive Self-Talk

This 5-session lesson is designed for a 3rd grade student on an IEP, focusing on identifying negative and positive self-talk, understanding coping strategies, and exploring cognitive behavioral triangle connections. Each 20-minute session will empower the student with practical skills to transform negative thoughts into positive ones, enhancing their emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 3
4/15
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Lindsey Jordan

Instructor

Counseling Corner

A one-on-one counseling session for 5th graders focused on identifying emotions and learning coping strategies. This Tier 3 individualized lesson empowers students to understand their feelings and practice tools for emotional regulation within 30 minutes.

Tier 3
5/13
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Abby Downing

S

MA Counselor

Turning Frowns Upside Down: Building Positive Peer Connections

This two-session lesson is designed for a 1st-grade female student to help her challenge negative thinking patterns related to peer relationships using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. Over two 50-minute sessions, the student will engage in activities, games, and discussions to foster positive social interactions and build confidence in her ability to form and maintain friendships.

Tier 3
3/11

Suani Lopez

E

CA Social Worker

CBT Bingo

In this 25-minute Tier 2 small-group activity, new counselors will reinforce their understanding of core Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts through an interactive Bingo quiz. Participants identify real-life examples of CBT principles to mark off their cards, promoting recall, collaboration, and deeper learning.

Tier 2
5/16

Tiffani

E

CA Counselor

Flip the Script: Positive Thinking

This three-session individual counseling series for 8th graders focuses on reframing negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It's crucial for developing emotional resilience and improving mental well-being. Each session lasts 30 minutes and is designed to provide personalized support and practical strategies for managing negative thoughts.

Tier 3
5/8
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Gianna Akerberg

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Counselor Bingo

In this engaging lesson, students will get to know their school counselor through a fun and interactive Bingo game. This activity helps students understand the counselor's role and feel comfortable approaching them for support. It also encourages listening skills and provides a platform for questions and discussions.

Tier 1
2/25
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Vanessa Duckett

q

TX Counselor

Calm Your Mind: Mastering Anxiety with CBT Techniques

This 6-session individual lesson for a 6th-grade female student focuses on reducing anxiety, excessive worry, and overthinking using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions. Each 45-minute session is designed to empower the student with practical skills to manage anxiety, fostering emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 3
3/7

Suani Lopez

E

CA Social Worker

Can You Catch Anxiety?

In this detective-themed individual counseling session, a 5th grade student will track anxious thoughts like clues and learn strategies to ‘catch’ and challenge them. This 45-minute Tier 3 activity helps build coping skills and self-awareness in a personalized, engaging format.

Tier 3
Tuesday

Theresa

I

FL Counselor, Social Worker

Coping Superpowers

In this 15-minute individualized session, a 3rd grader will learn to identify feelings of sadness and anger and practice simple, effective coping strategies. This worksheet equips him with a personalized ‘toolbox’ of coping skills to handle big emotions, fostering self-regulation and resilience.

Tier 3
5/14
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Meridith Henry

I

FL Counselor, Social Worker

Unmasking Cognitive Distortions

This 5-session lesson for 8th graders focuses on identifying and challenging cognitive distortions, which are irrational thought patterns that can negatively impact mental health. Through interactive activities and discussions, students will learn to recognize these distortions in their own thinking and develop healthier cognitive habits, empowering them to improve their emotional well-being.

Tier 1
4/19
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Nancy Love

T

MD Instructor

Coping Skills for 3rd Graders

This lesson introduces 3rd graders to basic coping skills through a fun and interactive activity. Learning coping skills is crucial for young students as it helps them manage emotions, reduce stress, and improve their overall well-being. This lesson will empower students with simple strategies they can use in everyday situations.

Tier 1
2/25
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Hallie Boviard

S

MA Counselor

Resilience Toolkit

This individualized support guide equips a 7th grade student with personalized coping strategies and crisis response steps to build resilience and emotional regulation. Through targeted coaching and self-reflection activities in one 20-minute session, the student will develop a practical toolkit for managing stress and anxiety

Tier 3
Monday
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Allison Thibodaux-Wing

E

CA Psychologist

Therapy Introduction for Kids

This lesson introduces 3rd-grade students to the concept of therapy in a simple and engaging way. Through a guided discussion, students will learn what therapy is, why people might go to therapy, and how it can help. This lesson is important as it helps normalize the idea of seeking help and promotes mental health awareness from a young age.

Tier 1
3/21

Ryan Holt Ph.D.

E

CA Psychologist

? Feeling Calm?

A personalized plan to help your 1st grader recognize triggers and practice calming strategies one-on-one, fostering self-regulation. This Tier 3, 20-minute individual session equips the student with self-awareness tools.

Tier 3
Wednesday
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Bonnie Gil

E

CA Psychologist

Anxiety Busters: Calm and Confident

This lesson aims to help 3rd graders understand and manage anxiety through engaging activities and discussions. By using experiential and game-based learning strategies, students will learn practical techniques to cope with anxiety, fostering a sense of calm and confidence. This lesson is crucial as it equips young learners with essential emotional regulation skills, promoting mental well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25
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Rene Kashmiri

S

MA Counselor

Color Your Feelings

This lesson is designed to help a 3rd-grade student with emotional disturbance learn coping skills for managing anxiety. Through a creative and experiential approach, the student will use a coloring worksheet to identify and express where they feel emotions in their body. This activity is important as it provides a non-verbal way for the student to connect with their emotions, fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Tier 3
2/25

Ryan Holt Ph.D.

E

CA Psychologist

Coping Strategies Game

This lesson introduces Grade 1 students to basic coping strategies through a fun and interactive game. The lesson is important as it helps young learners develop essential emotional regulation skills, which are crucial for their social and emotional development. By engaging in a game-based activity, students will learn how to identify and apply coping strategies in a supportive and enjoyable environment.

Tier 1
2/25
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Ariana Dekeon

S

MA Counselor

Understanding and Coping with Trauma

This lesson aims to help 7th-grade students understand trauma and develop coping strategies. Through experiential and game-based learning, students will engage in activities that promote trauma-informed awareness and collaborative learning. This lesson is crucial for fostering resilience and emotional intelligence, equipping students with tools to manage stress and trauma effectively.

Tier 1
2/25
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Arthur Tripp

a

NC Instructor

Coping with Depression: Strategies and Skills

This lesson introduces 7th-grade students to coping strategies for managing feelings of depression. Through a combination of video content and interactive activities, students will explore various techniques to help them understand and manage their emotions. This lesson is crucial as it equips students with practical skills to handle emotional challenges, promoting mental well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25

Ryan Holt Ph.D.

E

CA Psychologist

The Magic Triangle of Thoughts

In this lesson, 3rd-grade students will explore the concept of the cognitive triangle, understanding how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. This lesson is crucial for helping students recognize and change unhelpful thoughts into helpful ones, promoting emotional well-being and positive behavior. It is designed as a Tier 3 individual support session lasting 30 minutes.

Tier 3
4/14
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egorton

S

MA Social Worker

Meet the Counselor: Exploring Feelings and Emotions

Students will meet the school counselor and learn about different feelings and emotions through storytelling and drawing. This lesson helps young students understand and express their emotions effectively, which is crucial for their social-emotional development.

Tier 1
2/25
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Erika Morris

q

TX Counselor

My Calm Toolbox

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 1st graders, students explore simple coping strategies to manage big feelings. Through interactive discussions, practice, and a fun worksheet, they’ll build their own “calm toolbox” to use whenever they feel upset or overwhelmed.

Tier 1
5/12
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elizabeth.smith

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Intrusive Thoughts Exploration

This lesson introduces 4th graders to the concept of intrusive thoughts and how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help manage them. Through experiential learning and collaborative activities, students will explore examples of intrusive thoughts and discuss strategies to cope with them. This lesson is important as it helps students understand their thoughts and emotions, promoting mental health awareness and emotional regulation.

Tier 1
2/25
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James Kelliher

t

VT Counselor

Superhero Skills: Managing Anxiety for Third Graders

This three-session lesson is designed to help an anxious third grader develop effective coping skills, identify and overcome barriers, and improve communication and listening skills. Through engaging discussions and activities, the student will learn to manage anxiety and stress, empowering them with strategies to handle challenging situations. Each session is 15 minutes long, focusing on individual support for a student with undiagnosed anxiety.

Tier 3
3/12
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Kiley Horn

D

AZ Counselor

Coping Strategies Exploration

This lesson is designed for a one-on-one counseling session with a 4th-grade student. The focus is on helping the student identify five coping strategies they can use when experiencing heightened emotions. This lesson is important as it equips the student with practical tools to manage their emotions, promoting emotional regulation and resilience.

Tier 3
2/25
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Gianna Akerberg

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Counselor's Toolbox: Skills for Success

This lesson introduces 5th-grade students to essential skills and tools used by school counselors, focusing on problem-solving and effective communication. These skills are crucial for students' personal and academic success, helping them navigate challenges and build strong relationships.

Tier 1
2/25

Glenda Glenn

a

NC Counselor

Mindful Moments

This lesson aims to help 9th grade female students reduce symptoms of OCD through trauma-informed teaching strategies. By focusing on mindfulness and self-awareness, students will learn techniques to manage their symptoms, allowing them to better access classroom instruction. This lesson is important as it empowers students with tools to improve their mental health and academic performance.

Tier 2
2/25
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Nicole Camp

S

MA Psychologist

Anxiety Busters: Game On!

This lesson aims to help a 7th grade boy reduce anxiety through engaging activities and visual aids. By incorporating game-based and experiential learning strategies, the lesson will provide practical tools and techniques to manage anxiety effectively. This approach is crucial for building resilience and promoting mental well-being in middle school students.

Tier 3
2/25

Kristen Williams

E

CA Psychologist

Mind Over Mood

In this one 30-minute Tier 3 session, an individual 11th grade student will learn practical emotional regulation strategies using personalized tools and reflection. This lesson helps students manage intense emotions, reduce stress, and improve focus—critical skills for academic success and personal well-being.

Tier 3
Yesterday

Crystal Sullivan

h

NY Social Worker

Mindset Makeover: Reframing Negative Thoughts

This lesson helps 3rd grade students learn how to transform negative thoughts into positive ones through engaging activities. By fostering self-awareness and positive thinking, students will develop skills that contribute to their emotional well-being and resilience. This lesson is important as it equips students with tools to manage their emotions and build a positive mindset, which are essential for their overall development.

Tier 1
2/25
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Gianna Akerberg

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Chill Pill Toolkit

This one-on-one behavior support packet guides a 7th grade student through personalized coping strategies and emotional tracking in a 30-minute session. Building self-regulation skills fosters resilience, academic focus, and well-being.

Tier 3
5/12
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Amanda Nickles

E

CA Social Worker

What’s My Trigger?

This one-on-one session helps a 1st grade student recognize personal triggers and develop tailored coping strategies, fostering emotional resilience. It’s a Tier 3 individual support session designed to last 15 minutes, including guided discussion, interactive slides, and reflection activities.

Tier 3
Monday
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Virginia Lenac

E

CA Counselor

Mind Detective

In this single 30-minute Tier 3 session, a 4th grade student will learn to identify common cognitive distortions and reflect on their own thoughts to improve emotional regulation. This lesson helps the student recognize and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, building self-awareness and coping skills.

Tier 3
5/14

Ashley Angel

E

CA Counselor

Flip Your Inner Script

In this one-on-one 45-minute session, an 8th grade student learns practical activities to identify and reframe negative or anxious thoughts. This lesson empowers students to build resilience and a positive mindset through guided exercises and reflection. Tier 3 support ensures personalized strategies.

Tier 3
Yesterday

Lisa Cooper

E

CA Social Worker

Emotional First Aid: Coping Strategies for Tough Times

Equip students with emotional coping skills for when they encounter personal challenges. They will learn practical strategies for immediate emotional support, fostering resilience and a positive mental health framework.

Tier 1
3/4

p adams

a

NC Social Worker

Mind Detective

In this 30-minute individual Tier 3 session, a third-grade boy with autism will learn how to identify and manage his thoughts in order to influence his behaviors positively. This CBT-based lesson helps him become a “mind detective,” spotting unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with helpful ones to reduce frustration and increase self-control.

Tier 3
5/16
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Melyssa Sweet

t

VT Psychologist

Emotion Regulation Toolbox

One-on-one coaching session guiding a 7th grader to build a personalized emotion regulation toolbox of coping strategies, grounded in CASEL competencies—for self-management and resilience. This Tier 3 intervention is 20 minutes long and provides concrete practice and reflection.

Tier 3
5/8
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bbeldenscott

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Impulse Control Fun

This lesson is designed to help 1st-grade students understand and practice impulse control through engaging activities. By using active learning and game-based strategies, students will learn to pause and think before acting, which is crucial for their social and academic development. The lesson includes a fun game, a worksheet, and a discussion to reinforce the concepts.

Tier 1
2/25
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Jaclyn Andon

S

MA Counselor

Healing Superpowers: Coping Mechanisms for Resilience

This two-session lesson is designed for a 13-year-old girl to explore and develop coping mechanisms after surviving trauma. The lesson aims to empower her with practical strategies to manage emotions and build resilience. Each session is 25 minutes long and includes a lesson plan, activity, and discussion to facilitate understanding and application of these vital skills.

Tier 3
3/26
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Darcy Lord-Evans

a

NC Counselor

Counselor Bingo

In this lesson plan, students will get to know their School Counselor through an engaging bingo game. This will help them understand who their School Counselor is, what they do, and how they can help. The game format makes it fun and interactive, which is ideal for keeping 2nd graders' attention.

Tier 1
2/25
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Cynthia Espino

q

TX Counselor

Anxiety Busters: Coping Skills Workshop

This lesson plan is designed to help students in grades 2-5 identify their personal triggers for anxiety and develop effective coping skills. Through a series of eight 30-minute sessions, students will engage in experiential and game-based learning activities, discussions, and collaborative exercises. This lesson is important as it empowers students with the tools to manage anxiety, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25
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Melissa Avery

D

AZ Counselor

Feelings Detective Triangle

In this 30-minute one-on-one session, a first grader will become a feelings detective by exploring the CBT triangle—thoughts, feelings, and actions—through simple scenarios. This lesson builds emotional awareness and self-regulation skills essential for everyday school and social success.

Tier 3
5/16

Kaytlin

j

OK Counselor, Social Worker

Meet Your School Counselor

Students will get to know the role of the school counselor, how they can help, and how to approach them for support. This lesson promotes social-emotional learning, helping students feel comfortable and supported in their school environment.

Tier 1
2/25
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Ashley Bennett

q

TX Counselor

Mindset Over Mood

Students will explore how their thoughts shape emotions and learn mindfulness and cognitive techniques to manage moods. This helps build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. Audience: Grades 6–8; 1 session, 50 minutes.

Tier 1
Monday
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Emma Gebhard

S

MA Social Worker, Counselor

Calm and Confident: Managing School Anxiety

This lesson helps 3rd grade girls understand and manage anxiety at school through engaging activities and discussions. By using game-based learning and experiential exercises, students will learn practical strategies to cope with anxiety, fostering a supportive and understanding classroom environment. This lesson is crucial for building emotional resilience and promoting mental well-being among young students.

Tier 2
3/24

Samantha Haynes

q

TX Counselor

Meet Your School Counselor

In this 30-minute lesson, first graders will meet their school counselor through a fun and interactive presentation. They will learn the role of the counselor and how they can assist them throughout the school year. This lesson encourages young students to approach their counselor whenever they need help or guidance.

Tier 1
2/25
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Erika Morris

q

TX Counselor

Coping Skills Toolbox

In this lesson, students will create a personalized toolbox of coping strategies to handle stress and anxiety. Through hands-on activities and role-playing scenarios, students will practice and refine these skills. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical tools to manage stress, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25
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Melissa Geary

E

CA Instructor

Coping Skills Carnival

In this engaging 45-minute session for 4th graders, students will rotate through various stations to learn and practice different coping skills. This lesson is crucial for helping students manage stress and emotions, fostering resilience and emotional intelligence.

Tier 1
4/16
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Mayra Mendoza Saenz

q

TX Counselor

Grounding and Calm

This lesson introduces 1st graders to grounding techniques to help them manage stress and anxiety. It begins with a video demonstration, followed by a fun interactive game, and concludes with an exit ticket to reinforce learning. Grounding techniques are essential for young students to develop emotional regulation and relaxation skills.

Tier 1
2/25
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Tangie Smith

q

TX Counselor

Mood Lift Toolkit

This one-session, 30-minute individual lesson equips 11th grade students with practical skills—mindfulness exercises, cognitive reframing, and journaling—to help manage feelings of depression. By guiding students through hands-on activities and reflective prompts, this lesson empowers them to build personal coping strategies they can use anytime.

Tier 3
5/14

Janelle Solis

E

CA Social Worker

Want to Feel Calmer?

An individualized 30-minute counseling session for an 8th-grade student focusing on deep breathing and grounding techniques to manage anxiety in real time. This Tier 3 lesson equips the student with on-the-spot tools for emotional regulation and fosters self-awareness and resilience.

Tier 3
5/14
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Kayley Bulin

v

WI Counselor

Anxiety Busters

This 5-session lesson for 7th graders focuses on evidence-based activities to manage anxiety, providing students with practical tools and strategies to cope with stress. It's important as it empowers students with skills to handle anxiety, promoting mental well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
5/5
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bbeldenscott

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Coping with School Anxiety

This lesson is designed to help a 10th-grade student develop and implement personalized coping strategies to manage anxiety related to attending school. Through a combination of discussion, activity, and quiz, the student will explore their feelings, create actionable strategies, and assess their understanding. This lesson is important as it empowers the student to overcome barriers and improve their ability to complete assigned tasks.

Tier 3
2/25

Kyle Ryan

E

CA Psychologist